Under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh is conducting a skill census, a significant initiative aimed at understanding and addressing the skill landscape of the state's population. This move comes ahead of the elections and has been positioned as a strategic alternative to the Opposition's demand for a caste census.
### What is the Skill Census?
The skill census, proposed by Naidu and supported by his ally Pawan Kalyan of JanaSena Party, is designed to assess the skills and competencies of the people of Andhra Pradesh. This initiative is seen as a method to increase productivity and promote sustainable growth, contrasting with the "freebie culture" criticized by the TDP.
### Objectives of the Skill Census
The Andhra Pradesh Skill Census-2024 aims to achieve the following:
1. **Assess Skill Profiles**: Identify the diverse skill sets present within the population across various sectors.
2. **Determine Skill Needs**: Understand the specific skill requirements of different industries such as manufacturing, construction, and services.
3. **Identify Skill Gaps**: Pinpoint the discrepancies between available skills and those in demand, highlighting areas needing intervention and investment.
4. **Inform Policy Decisions**: Provide data-driven insights for designing effective skill training, education, and employment policies.
5. **Empower Individuals**: Enable individuals to access relevant skills, make informed career choices, and enhance their employability.
### Implementation
The census is being conducted by the AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) through comprehensive surveys. These surveys gather data on education, work experience, training, and skill proficiency. Advanced data analytics will ensure the accuracy and reliability of the collected data, helping develop a detailed skill map of the state's workforce.
### Rationale Behind the Skill Census
The decision to opt for a skill census instead of a caste census is rooted in addressing the high unemployment rates and employability issues in Andhra Pradesh. The state has a significant youth unemployment rate of 15.7%, which is higher than the national average. The skill census aims to bridge the gap between conventional education and the skills required by industries, thus tackling both joblessness and employability.
### Strategic Shift
Naidu's decision to prioritize skills over caste is seen as a strategic move to differentiate the TDP from the Opposition. By focusing on skills, the TDP aims to create a workforce ready to meet the demands of modern industries and contribute to the state's economic growth. This approach aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a global skill capital.
### Conclusion
The skill census in Andhra Pradesh represents an innovative and pioneering step towards addressing unemployment and enhancing the employability of its youth. By shifting focus from caste-based categorization to skill-based empowerment, the state aims to create a more productive and skilled workforce, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.
